Finance Director, Gabon

Libreville

  • Organization: WCS - Wildlife Conservation Society
  • Location: Libreville
  • Grade: Senior level - Senior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Banking and Finance
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2025-12-10

Job Description

Location:                    Libreville, Gabon
Reports To:                Gabon Country Director
Direct Reports:          Gabon Finance Staff

Position Summary
The Finance Director will lead the financial management of the WCS Gabon Program, overseeing financial systems, staff, reporting, compliance, and internal controls. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting to both internal and external stakeholders, maintaining strong internal control systems, coordinating financial reviews of project sites, and managing cash flow across the program.

Based in Libreville, the Finance Director will travel regularly to field sites to support local finance teams, review financial documentation, and ensure consistent financial practices across all locations. This position reports directly to the Gabon Country Director and plays a key role in strategic financial planning and operational support.

Responsibilities

Financial Management and Compliance
  • Oversee all financial operations of the WCS Gabon Program, ensuring accurate and timely accounting practices.
  • Ensure full grant compliance throughout the grant lifecycle—from proposal development to final close-out
  • Ensure all project financial activities align with donor regulations and WCS internal policies.
  • Lead the monthly financial close process, including balance sheet reconciliations and submission of required reports to the Regional Controller.
  • Management and reporting of in-country revenue sources and receivables
  • Conduct budget reviews and oversee financial management of subgrantees, including assessments and ongoing monitoring in accordance with WCS procedures.
  • Develop and deliver regular financial performance indicators to country and regional leadership to support strategic decision-making.
  • Maintain effective cash flow management to support program operations.

Internal Control and Audits

  • Coordinate and supervise local audits, including donor-specific, tax, and labor-related audits.
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks through the implementation of robust internal control systems.
  • Promote and facilitate internal audits in collaboration with the Regional Controller.
  • Ensure adherence to relevant policies and guidelines; develop or adapt local procedures and tools to enhance financial and human resource management in line with contextual realities.

Staff management

  • Lead the recruitment, training, and performance management of finance staff within the Gabon Program.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional development within the finance team.

Qualification Requirements

Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Advanced qualifications such as an MBA, CPA, or equivalent professional certification are highly desirable.
  • Experience: Minimum of five years’ experience in financial management within an international nonprofit organization, with a strong track record in managing complex budgets and donor-funded projects.
  • Grant Management: Demonstrated expertise in the financial administration of bilateral and multilateral grants and contracts, including compliance, reporting, and close-out procedures.
  • Policy Implementation: Proven ability to develop, implement, and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Language Proficiency: Fluency in both French and English is required, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
  • Leadership & Teamwork: Strong managerial capabilities with experience in leading finance teams. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
  • Analytical Skills: High level of analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to financial risk management.
  • Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to field sites as needed to support program operations and financial oversight.

How to apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications, skills, and experience are encouraged to apply via the application tab until December 10, 2025. 

 WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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